Simarouba glauca Leaves as a Natural Arsenal: GC-MS-Based Proximate and Phytochemical Insights with Antimicrobial Efficacy

Vanitha Subburaj, Umaa Kuppuswamy, Sankar Veintraimunthu, Syamala G, Saran V, Manoj Prabhakar Saravanan, Manju Velmurugan, DOI: 10.46793/BiolNyss.16.2.14S

Abstract


Simarouba glauca, commonly known as Lakshmi Taru, is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds with diverse therapeutic potential. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile, elemental composition, and antimicrobial efficacy of its leaf extracts. GC-MS analysis of methanol and chloroform extracts revealed the presence of key constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and quinic acid. Proximate and elemental analyses confirmed high nutritional content and minimal heavy metal contamination, with all detected metals within WHO safety limits. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, where chloroform extract exhibited the highest inhibition zones (up to 22 mm). These findings highlight the plant’s potential as a safe natural source of antimicrobial agents and dietary supplements. The comprehensive profile of S. glauca supports its use in traditional medicine and paves the way for its integration into modern phytopharmaceutical applications.


Keywords


Simarouba glauca, Phytochemical analysis, GC-MS, Antimicrobial activity, Elemental composition

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References


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